The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-03-23

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every likely. But came from Pari
only six months since, and shall return II
the spring. I think can afford to wal
until that time before I buy"
With some warmth Fontaine flew tt
the show-window and caught up th'
locket. He put this before his scornfu
visitor.
"Hcrc is something you have nevc1
seen exccllcd in Paris or elsewhere"
Mr.. Barton looked at the locket In 81
lencc. He drew off his gloves and took
up the Jewel. He examined it minutely
and said, at last:
These arc genuine brilliants?"
"Guarantced true diamonds"
ga very handsome affair-very hand
some. This came from France2"
"Vcrsaillcs. 1t is masterpiece, sir
known as the Versailles Locket."
"What is the pricc?"
"Three thousand dollars"
Mr.. Barton inspected it closely, ano
laid it down at last with manifest change
of bearning. He looked at Reginald
Fontaine more cordially, and said, in an
insinuating tone:
II presume you would shade that price
a little for cash2"
81 might, a very little" returned the
jewcler, now speaking coldly in his turn.
"Well, I'll see. I'll send my wife
around to look at it. She likes such toys,
but whether she will buy or not is quite
uncertain. Luckily for me, she has money
of her own. For my part, three thousand
dollars is too much to put into jewel. "
sWhat is your business, Mr.. BartonT'
inquired Fontaine.
''Importer of oil paintings. I am also
commissioned by wealthy people to buy
works of art abroad, and usually make a
trip once year. Am here now to receive
a shipment from Antwerp. My wife and
are stopping at the Desplaines House" "
He laid down an embossed card, neatly
engraved with his name and bearing his
crest, bowed and sauntered out.
Three days later messenger came to
Reginald Fontaine with this note:
"DEAR SIR: Please bring the locket to
Room "a, Desplaines House, at two o'clock
this afternoon. NY wife wishes to see it, and
is unable to leave the hotel I can't promise
you that she will buy; but, as you like to show
your wares, I would be pleased to have you
''''''''' '''' ' F.F. BARTON"
Reginald Fontalne thought a moment
Then his dignity asserted itself. He
called his trusty brother, and showed him
the note.
"Jean, rll let you wait on these peo-
pie. Sell the locket if you can. Get
twenty-seven hundred if you can't do
any better. Take good care of the
lockct."
A porter led Jean that afternoon to
Room "a, and knocked upon the door.
Center said q voice within.
Jean went in. A lovely young woman,
richly clad, with pale face and languid
air, reclincd in an easy-chair. Before her
on table was a tray of wine
glasses. Mr.. Barton stood opposite, and
still upheld a newly opened bottle from
which he had just poured tiny glass of
dark wine. He bowed to Jean.
"You are from the jeweler's2"
"Yes, sir"
"Step forward, if you please"
The porter went out and closed the
door. Jean handed forth the locket,
which Mr.. Barton passed to his wife.
elbow beautiful"
She held it to the light and examined
it critically.
'Had you not better take this now2"
said Mr.. Barton, profering her the glass
of wine.
She took it, and looked toward Jean.
"Perhaps this gentleman-" she said,
suggestively.
Certainly" replied Mr.. Barton. He
poured out two more glasses, and pushed
one toward Jean. "Will you join US,
sir9 1t is port. Do you like sweet
wine2"
Jean was very temperate and unused to
liquors. But here were couple, evi-
IDENTIFY of high social rank, accustomed,
no doubt, to the foreign use of wine. 1t
might give offense to refuse, and bargains
often hang on trifes. He responded
courtcously, and slipped the sweet port to
the quick bottom of his glass.
"Takc a seat here" said the lady.
Jean accepted large easy chair by her
side. She turned her bright, dazzling
eyes upon him,
" You are certain these are real dia-
monds2"
Warranted genuine, madam" re-
turned Jean.
His voice sounded thick to his own
ears, strange oppression rose into his
brain, the world seemed rocking upon
endless waves, and the lady and the locket
appeared to float away-away.
When Jean awoke, twilight filled the
room with fantastic shadows, and rays
from the street lamps fell Pickering on the
walls.
He knew he was in place he had seen
before, but all was so unwonted, and the
languor that lay upon him was so deli
cious and enchanting, that he felt sure he
was in dream from which he hated to
awaken.
Even the loud knocking at the door
failed to rouse him to reality, and when
he heard his brothers voice crying out in
alarm: {" Jean! Jeanm it only stirred his
wrath, as if summoned at an unwelcome
hour.
Then followed silence, and he sat mar
Yelling at the luxurious surroundings, and
the mystery of his presence here.
The turning of key was followed by
the quick entrance of the hotel clerk and
Reginald Fontaine. The jewcler dartcd
forward to his brother and clasped his
arm; he looked into his dilated eyes and
bewildered face, and cried:
"Jean! Jean! What is the matter2
Where is the locket2"
The locket! Jean sprang up. His
lethargy departed. He understood, and
+ot+erino, touord his brother fell sense